Computer Network

A Computer Network (pronunciation: /kəmˈpjuːtər ˈnɛtwɜːrk/) is a digital telecommunications network which allows nodes to share resources. In computer networks, computing devices exchange data with each other using connections (data links) between nodes.

Etymology

The term "Computer Network" is derived from the English words "computer" (a device that computes, especially a programmable electronic machine that performs high-speed mathematical or logical operations) and "network" (an interconnected group or system).

Related Terms

Node: Any system or device connected to a network is also called a node. For example, if a printer is connected to a computer on the network, the printer is a node.

Data Link: A data link is the means of connecting one location to another for the purpose of transmitting and receiving digital information.

Telecommunications Network: A telecommunications network is a collection of nodes and connections that is capable of sending and receiving messages.

Digital Signal: A digital signal is a signal that represents data as a sequence of discrete values.

Network Protocol: A network protocol defines rules and conventions for communication between network devices.

Internet: The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to link devices worldwide.

Local Area Network (LAN): A local area network (LAN) is a computer network that interconnects computers within a limited area such as a residence, school, laboratory, university campus or office building.

Wide Area Network (WAN): A wide area network (WAN) is a telecommunications network or computer network that extends over a large geographical distance/place.

Wireless Network: A wireless network is a computer network that uses wireless data connections between network nodes.

Network Security: Network security consists of the policies and practices adopted to prevent and monitor unauthorized access, misuse, modification, or denial of a computer network and network-accessible resources.